From April 10 through April 13, Madrigals and Chamber Orchestra, Burroughs’ top music groups, had the opportunity to travel to Northern Arizona for sightseeing and a chance to perform. Both groups performed at the Chapel of the Rocks in the heart of Sedona for the National Festival of the States.
The groups began preparing their repertoire in September. After intense in-class practice every single day, Madrigals and Chamber Orchestra were able to display their hard work to the local Sedona community with a free concert and receive a critique from D. Ryan Holder, a professional musician in both vocals and strings.
“Creating beautiful music and moving the audience is the ultimate goal, and our students achieved it,” says Amber Petersen, Madrigals and Orchestra’s music director. “I could not be more proud.”
Petersen also noted another benefit of the trip: watching her students enjoy fellowship, take in the scenic sights, and continue the music legacy at Burroughs. Part of that legacy showed up in person with the attendance of Petersen’s former music teachers, Russell Parker and Simon Austin. Austin served as a chaperone on the trip, and Parker traveled up from his home in Prescott, where he is now retired.
In addition to their performance, Madrigals and Chamber Orchestra found themselves at the Grand Canyon on their first day in Arizona. The Grand Canyon holds extraordinary scenic views, endless trails for hiking, and a river that is 277 miles long. The initial stop at the Grand Canyon was a pleasing way for the musicians to stretch their legs and enjoy fresh air after an eight-hour ride there.
The groups also visited the Elden Pueblo Archeological Site and Walnut Canyon, offering a glimpse into the past with its archaeological and well-preserved history. Inhabited by the indigenous Sinagua people and featuring ancient cliff dwellings, the visit offered students new knowledge and appreciation for different cultures.
One of their other major locations visited was Sedona. After taking in the beautiful layers of the Sedona Valley and learning about the spiritual relations it held, the students all performed in a chapel with a breathtaking view of the surrounding red rock formations.
“Going on these trips gives the Orchestra more playing opportunities beyond Ridgecrest and gets students out and about,” says junior Angelina Placencia, Chamber Orchestra’s Concertmaster. “By growing and promoting the music program, we can make more of these trips possible to open up more playing opportunities for young musicians.”
Placencia expressed that she feels accomplished from their months of commitment and hard work and reassured that more trips will be planned to engage students in the music program.
Even the long bus rides seemed fun, according to Placencia, giving the musicians all a chance to bond and get to know each other outside of school.
There was never a dull moment, as even during rest, there was inspiration in the air. One memorable event was going to Black Bart’s, a steakhouse in Flagstaff, where the wait staff put on musical revues for the customers during their meals.
“Other than the food, we were able to see musical performances that were at a professional level as well, inspiring all of us to do better and hopefully pursue singing after high school,” said sophomore Lillian Alvarenga, a Madrigals singer.
Whether going to Northern Arizona proves to be a career-pivoting point in students’ musical careers, it will undoubtedly form an everlasting memory for those who attended and be a lure for future musicians to join the program.
“I am still walking in the clouds after our travel and performing experience,” said Petersen. “I am aiming to have our out-of-state travel to be every two years or so. The ‘where next?’ is yet to be determined.”
With a promising roster next year for Madrigals and the potential to transform the Chamber Orchestra into a Symphonic Orchestra, the horizon is looking — and sounding — good.
